Copenhagen is a fantastic destination for visitors from all over Europe and the world. The capital of Denmark is a thriving city with plenty to do and see, and you’ll find that there are plenty of Copenhagen day trips to enjoy once you’ve explored the city! It’s considered the gateway to Scandinavia, yet there’s so much to visit outside of the city that few bother to experience.
The sad truth is that most tourists don’t know what’s waiting for them just outside of the city (but luckily, this list of the best day trips from Copenhagen will share some of the highlights). If only they would bother to explore just a few hours outside of Copenhagen there are magnificent castles, unique natural experiences and plenty of surprises.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend trip from Copenhagen, a day trip or you just want to add an overnight stay elsewhere to your existing Scandinavia itinerary, don’t miss these seven destinations located within two hours of Copenhagen!
Don’t forget to buy the Copenhagen Card in advance, for free public transport in the city, free and discounted tickets to attractions, sights and more! GET IT HERE!
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The 7 Best Copenhagen Day Trips
As mentioned, there are some truly great day trips from Copenhagen waiting for you. These 7 are some of our favourites, and you won’t be disappointed if you choose to add one of them to your travel plans, whether you have 3, 4 or 5 days in Copenhagen. They are perfect as both day trips and weekend trips, and all are within 2 hours from Copenhagen!
Visiting Copenhagen? Head this way for my guide to spending the perfect friend’s weekend in the city!
#1 Helsingør
Maybe you’re familiar with the expression “there’s something rotten in Denmark,” and maybe you even know it’s from Shakespeare’s tragedy; Hamlet. If you’ve ever been curious about the actual setting of the play you should pay a visit to the gorgeous Danish town of Helsingør. Besides being a picturesque stop on the Danish coastline north of Copenhagen, it is home to Kronborg Castle – from the pages of Hamlet.
In the summer months you can watch Shakespearean actors perform scenes from the famous play and there are daily tours of the castle in multiple languages. The grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage site are fascinating and tell the story of Denmark’s Golden Age and the way the kingdom controlled shipping lanes in and out of the Baltic Sea to grow rich and prosperous. The strategic location of the fortified castle and surrounding city made it all possible.
Elsewhere in the city you can find the Danish Maritime Museum, a weekend street food market and Science Aquarium. The quintessentially Danish town of Helsingør is less than an hour train ride from Copenhagen and a must-visit destination in Denmark.
Side note: the Copenhagen Card includes free train travel to Helsingør and other Copenhagen day trips on this list.
#2 Møns Klint
Møns is an island in Denmark’s southeast that is surrounded by the Baltic Sea. It’s connected to Zealand, the island where Copenhagen is located, by bridge and highway. This makes it a perfect Copenhagen getaway or day trip from the capital at only a 90-minute drive.
Møns is known for fishing, sailing and delicious seafood, which are all delightful reasons to visit. All that aside, those who know of Møns flock to the island for the landscape , and that’s why the island is one of the most unique destinations in Denmark.
Møns Klint is a natural wonder of white chalk cliffs that drop swiftly into the Baltic Sea. After driving the flat Danish countryside you’ll feel as if you’re in another country when you reach the cliffs. Møns Klint receives visitors with an education GeoCenter where you can learn of the geological history of Denmark. You can study exhibits of fossils found in the chalk before you take to the trails and hike Møns Klint.
The cliffs are wrapped in a ribbon of trails and boardwalks that allow visitors to hike down the steep rim, along the shoreline and then ascend the cliffs once again. There are several hikes of varying lengths but all offer gorgeous views of the beautiful geological formation.
#3 Camp Adventure
Another fantastic destination located south of Copenhagen is Camp Adventure. The main attraction at Camp Adventure is the intriguing spiral helix that towers over the thick Danish forest in the region. It was designed to promote sustainability and provide a nature-tourism attraction in the capital region. If you want to experience something unique, this Copenhagen day trip is for you.
The tree-top tower is reached after hiking a 900 meter boardwalk through the forest and then 45 meters up the tower. This unique attraction is also suitable for visitors with mobility issues or pushing baby carriages.
In the center of the structure are a group of trees which give you a gauge of your height as you climb the structure. Once you reach the top of the tower you have unbelievable panoramic views of southern Denmark. Once you snap a few photographs, circle the observation deck and take note of buildings in the distance. You can see the Copenhagen skyline and even to Sweden on a clear day. Most of all, make sure to take in the beauty of the treetops below and spend some time in nature outside of the bustle of Denmark’s capital.
Read more about visiting Camp Adventure on their website here.
#4 Copenhagen to Malmö Day Trip
Most visitors to Copenhagen are surprised to learn just how close the city is to Sweden. In fact, it’s linked to Sweden by a bridge over the Øresund Sound. From Copenhagen’s Central Station you can reach Malmö by train in under 40 minutes, so a Copenhagen to Malmo day trip is actually very doable. It’s perfect for a day tour or even to spend a couple of nights as a retreat to Swedish territory.
When it comes to what to do in Malmö, many visitors head right for a canal tour. It’s a beautiful way to take in the pretty Scandinavian city from its iconic waterfront. Along the ride you’ll find a 16th century fortress that was built by King Christian II of Denmark. The southern region of Sweden was Danish territory for much of history and you’ll notice how the historic center of Malmö resembles the oldest sections of Copenhagen. This is especially true in Lille Torv, a medieval square in the center of town that’s full of popular cafes and bars – perfect for a bite to eat before heading back to Copenhagen.
#5 Dragsholm Castle
There are some famous castles in Copenhagen and of course Kronborg Castle – but there’s an offbeat castle along the North Sea coast that should also be on your travel radar if you are looking for some great Copenhagen day trips. It’s called Dragsholm Castle and it’s been occupied by the Swedish, the Bishop of Roskilde, the kings of Denmark and today a Michelin restaurant and luxury hotel. There are reported to be at least three other notable occupants – spirits of former inhabitants. Dragsholm Castle is Denmark’s haunted castle on the north coast of Zealand and it’s worth a visit, especially in autumn.
The spooky abode was once a palace for the Bishop of nearby Roskilde but the Reformation resulted in church property being seized by the Danish king and the imprisonment of clergy and some nobles. Some say the bishop still walks the halls of the castle that he never intended to leave.
The Earl of Bothwell, third husband of Mary Queen of Scots was also a religious prisoner in the castle and met his demise within its walls. He is said to still ride through the courtyard with a full horse and carriage. There are two other ghosts, a lady in white who was separated from her true love by death and a lady in gray who is a happier spirit that rewards kind souls. If you are into this kind of history, don’t miss this guide to travelling in Anne Boleyn’s footsteps.
For a day trip to explore the grounds and enjoy a gourmet dinner or an overnight stay in a haunted Danish castle, Dragsholm Castle is a perfect place to visit.
#6 Røsnæs Wine Country
Most people don’t think of Denmark when they consider visiting a vineyard, but thanks to technological improvements and global warming – Denmark actually has a wine region. One of the best wine destinations in Denmark is the Røsnæs peninsula. You can reach the region in about two hours by public transportation or a 90 minute drive from Copenhagen.
The Røsnæs peninsula juts into the surrounding fjord which moderates temperatures and gives the area more sunlight than the rest of Denmark. The southern sloping hills and sandy soil is perfect for growing cold-weather grapes and producing wine in Denmark.
The peninsula is home to four vineyards that are all located within 15 km of each other. You can easily explore them all in a weekend getaway or pick one or two to explore for a day trip from Copenhagen.
#7 Roskilde
A visit to Roskilde is almost essential for anyone visiting Denmark and interested in viking culture. It was the capital of the Danish viking and there’s a collection of well-preserved viking ships from various ages that have been dredged up from the surrounding fjords.
If you visit the viking museum you can see each of the recovered ships and in the summer you can experience a ride in them on the waters of the fjord. Guided tours are offered in multiple languages and there are interactive exhibits besides the recovered ships.
Another popular stop in Roskilde is the cathedral. The Nordic design of the Lutheran Church is exquisite and it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As such, it’s the most important church in Denmark and the final resting place of all Danish monarchs.
More Copenhagen Day Trips
If you are still looking for great things to do in and around Copenhagen (whether you prefer a day trip or a weekend break from the city), here are some more suggestions.
Now You Know Where Else To Visit in Denmark
After reading these suggestions you have plenty of options for exploring the area outside of Copenhagen. While most people enjoy plenty of activities in the capital itself, fewer take the time to explore more of Denmark, and you don’t have to venture far to find more great attractions.